military+cars?

[g-cuda67]

      I feel  for asking this but how do you guys in the service balance your car projects? I been thinking about joining for awhile but have always wonder? whats the holds ups/warnings etc Any advice for someone too stuborn to give up there project.

[Hotwheelsjr]

My first 5 years in the AF were rough due to little money to do anything other than pay bills, but it got better and the military pays much better today than it once did.  I retired in Oct '06 with 20+ years in and I've owned my Demon for 16 of those years.  Just a little at a time.  All of my cars are projects...including the Demon (looks a lot better in pics than in person!) Even now that I am out and making more money than I did when I was in, I still have a family to worry about and the cars are second to them.  It's just a fine art of balance...and hiding parts from my wife.    

Hopefully that's what you were asking about.  Time-wise, the military was no different to me than my job is today.  i actually had more free time when I was in.

[Ciscodog]

Most likely you'll end up driving your project car for a few years.  That's not really a bad thing, as it keeps you from getting too crazy and you'll be able to save some money while you're at it.  When you go on a deployment, there will be extra money there for you when you get back that you can put toward the car if you like.  Sorta like a coming home gift for yourself.  But honestly, just as Hotwheels said, it's just time management.  You'll be balancing your on and off-duty time just as you would anywhere else.  I'll be happy to discuss any other aspects of military service with you if you like - just shoot me a PM.

Good luck on your decision!

[USCG Charger]

I've been in the Coast Guard for over 9yrs now and have owned my Cuda 3 months of them...... Seriously though you'll prolly have more time now then you would if you where at a 9-5 job. Unless ur over seas somewhere. If ur overseas u will make more coin b/c it's tax free so when u come back you can get more done at once.

Thats great ur thinking about joining the military...remember though there are only two branches: the US Coast Guard......and those that want to be the US Coast Guard!

Jason

[ski]

Being in the military has made it easier for me to work on and have cars.  When not deployed I have more time  to work on them than I would if I was punching a clock in the civillian sector.  I currently have four future projects stored in a secure storrage at the base auto hobby shop for dirt cheap.  I have access to lifts, steam cleaners, tire changers and balancers, tow dollys, you name it.  If I don't have it they do.  We used to have a paint booth but it became so much of a hassle to comply with the EPA that they got rid of it.  The best part is all the hook ups at the aircraft and support equipment rework facilities.  They have a sweet drive in oven for powdercoating.  Back in the late 70's I painted my car in the hanger but EPA put an end to that.  If you have to move around alot it's a hassle but I've been lucky enough to be based out of the same area the whole time.  I normally know in advance when I have to deploy so then I just button everything up.

[nothingbutdarts]

 Want to Thank all you service guys for your service to our country!

   FREEDOM BABY!                   

What ever your decision, just be happy with it. Good luck

[DartKnight]

Like ski said, the base auto hobby shop is a nice resource to have; a lot of tools and equipment you wouldn't otherwise have access to. Being able to store your crap instead of inducing the neighbor's wrath at home is a good thing too.

Hey ski, are you talking about the paint booth at 32nd St.? I painted three cars there, it's a shame if they did shut it down...

[ski]

Jason, No I used to use the one at North Island.  I know the 32nd street booth was open after ours shut down but I'm pretty sure that one has closed as well.  I'll have to check.  Miramar may have one since the Marines took over there I heard they built a killer new hobby shop.  I'll check that out too.  There was a couple booths down off Main in Chula Vista that you could rent but security might be an issue there. 

ski

[g-cuda67]

    Thank you guys! I cant say that enough, but this thread has made the decision much easier ..I was wondering do most large bases offer auto hobby shops?

[abqdart]

Ive been in 17 now and have had my dart for 10 of those. Im on board with everyone else! Time and money managment. Use the resources you have and if your married hopefully your wife will be like mine and be supportive. You can do it.

[pandamarie]

I spent 10 years in the USMC and the only time I had for a project car was the 2 years I spent in Hawaii, wife stayed 3 years I spent a year in Korea on the DMZ teaching NBC classes, the rest of my time in I was never in one place long enough to do anything. If you do get a job in the military that permits you to stay in one place for awhile visit the auto hobby shop and find some friends in the jet engine repair shop, they can always do some xraying or magnafluxing of your parts.